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Advice for Writing and Life #01, or What I’m Also Learning​

As an editor, I’m frequently asked questions about writing. In this series, I’ll work on answering some of those questions. Sometimes questions don’t come in the form of, well… questions. Sometimes the question lies in random conversations. So, here we go! Number one:

The truth is, I have nothing worth reading in this little head of mine. There’s no story. No inspiration. No drama worth expressing to the world. There’s nothing to give a shit about. I don’t even know what to write about. I’m nobody with nothing to say.

Sound familiar?

The actual truth is that everyone has a story worth telling. Everyone has a voice worth listening to. The most common problem is that we have to figure out how to let the voice out without caring what anyone has to say about it. The question isn’t, “What should I write about?” The question is, “How do I let my story out?”

You. Just. Write.

See, fear is debilitating in any realm, not just writing. The fear of what others think often drives us out of our minds. Fear of rejection or trolls or whatever often keeps our truths just out of arm’s reach which then keeps us from writing down what’s in our souls. That’s always been my problem.

But, guess what?

I’m learning to shut that filter down, too. I’m learning to let people’s opinions fly through one ear and out the other without a second thought. Let that shit fall by the wayside. Not only is this new attitude doing wonders for my writing, it’s also having a killer effect on my personal life.

So, you know what? Fuck other people and their opinions. You don’t have to be rude, hateful, or nasty, but never censor yourself either. Don’t let small minds keep you from sharing your story. Be you, do you, and your mind and writing will thank you for it.